Key Takeaways
- Sask Health covers annual eye exams for people under 18 and care for eye emergencies or injuries.
- Adults 65+ are not automatically covered for routine eye exams.
- People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can access a covered diabetes-related eye exam without a physician referral.
- Non-Insured Health Benefits may cover exams, glasses, contact lenses, and repairs for eligible First Nations and Inuit people.
You turn 65, you start thinking about the pension, the travel plans, maybe the grandkids’ hockey schedule. Then your reading glasses stop cutting it, and you wonder whether the province still picks up the tab for an eye exam at The Eye Studio by Kennedy Eye Clinic.
Sask Health does not automatically cover routine eye exams for adults 65 and older, though several programs can help cover the cost depending on your health history and benefits. Knowing which one applies to you can save you money and a phone call or two.
What Sask Health Covers for Eye Exams
Saskatchewan’s provincial plan covers one annual eye exam for anyone under 18. It also covers care for eye emergencies and injuries at any age, so a scratched cornea, a piece of metal in the eye, or a sudden increase in floaters can be handled without you reaching for your wallet first.
Routine exams for adults 65+ sit outside that basic coverage. It surprises a lot of people, especially because eye health tends to need more attention with age, not less.
Coverage Options for Adults 65+ in Saskatchewan
Diabetes-Related Eye Exams
A diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes qualifies you for a covered diabetes-related eye exam. You don’t need a referral from your physician, so you can call an optometrist in Saskatoon and book directly (a letter may be required for proof of coverage if you are a diet-controlled diabetic).
Routine follow-up visits outside of that exam aren’t included, so it’s worth asking what’s covered when you book.
Non-Insured Health Benefits
First Nations and Inuit people may be eligible for Non-Insured Health Benefits. This program can cover eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and repairs when your frames take a tumble off the kitchen counter.
Ways to Cover the Cost of Your Eye Exam
Private and employer benefit plans often cover part or all of that amount, and plenty of retirees keep a plan through a former workplace or a spouse. Health spending accounts can also be put toward an exam or new glasses.
Direct billing takes the paperwork off your plate at many clinics, so you pay only what’s left over instead of waiting weeks for a reimbursement cheque.
How Often Adults 65+ Should Book an Eye Exam
Yearly exams are suggested for adults 65 and older. Vision can shift gradually enough that you adjust without noticing. This can look like holding the newspaper a little farther away or turning on one more lamp at the dinner table.
Your health history can change that schedule. Conditions like diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or certain medications may mean your eye doctor suggests coming in more often. An optometrist in Saskatoon can look at your full picture and recommend timing that fits you.
Signs It’s Time to See an Optometrist in Saskatoon
Some symptoms don’t pair well with waiting until next year. Book an appointment if you notice any of these signs:
- Frequent headaches or trouble reading comfortably
- New flashes of light or floaters drifting across your vision
- Eye pain or redness
- A sudden change in your vision
Trust your gut here. If something feels off with your eyes, that’s reason enough to call.
Book Your Next Eye Exam
Sorting out coverage shouldn’t stand between you and clear, comfortable vision. Our team at The Eye Studio by Kennedy Eye Clinic can help you figure out which benefits apply to you and what your visit may cost before you sit in the exam chair.
Reach out to book your next eye exam and take one more thing off your to-do list.
